Cirdan
Senior Master
I work in a donut shop part time, and we get flies, especially as I live in Northern VA and its summer, and I practically live in what's a paved over swamp. For practice I enjoy catching and releasing them, repeating. This isn't to say that I'm some kind of zomg-epi awesome martial artist; lots of people in my family can do it, it's in part why we're so good with firearms, though I suspect traces of redneck in the blood may have added to that. The point is that I rely on that kind of reaction time and speed in sparring, which to a degree cancels out the risk; because I can read people, and react to what they intend to do, oft before they even know they are going to do it, I can also time what is necessary as a counter, as they execute their techniques. I.E, if I use the spike, it will be when appropriate, and in addition, to inflict damage, and set up for a follow up from either arm... usually. Theory. Theory. Theory. It doesn't always work out. We know this about every technique.
Have you tried catching the flies with your mouth yet? That is real skill mate. I can`t do it, but I am sure one of your speed intuition and distinguished background will have no problem trapping several at the same time.